The Cross River State Government has announced a waiver on vehicle registration and daily operational levies for women engaged in commercial transportation and men aged 60 years and above who operate their own vehicles.

The Chairman of the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA), Chief Oliver Orok, disclosed the new policy on Monday during a meeting with drivers’ unions from the Calabar metropolis and the Southern Senatorial District.

Orok said the initiative aligns with Governor Bassey Out’s “People First” agenda and the administration’s “Season of Sweetness” programme aimed at easing the burden on transport operators.

According to him, female commercial drivers will no longer be required to pay vehicle registration fees or daily operational levies.

“Women who are into this driving business will not pay for registration of their vehicle and will not pay daily operational levies. The operation is free for them,” he said.

He added that male commercial drivers aged 60 and above who own and operate their vehicles would also enjoy the same exemption.

“Men above 60 years of age, who own their vehicle and wish to drive commercially, are also exempted. They won’t pay registration or daily levies,” Orok stated.

The CTRA chairman further announced that the government had reduced transport ticket fees to a minimal level and temporarily suspended enforcement of certain road traffic offences to create a more enabling environment for commercial transport operators.

He also revealed that the state would sustain its free transport services during festive periods and continue providing fuel support to commercial vehicle owners to improve their operations.

On compliance with transport regulations, Orok urged drivers to avoid unauthorised vehicle paint schemes and stickers, insisting that commercial vehicles should retain the state’s approved colours to ensure uniformity.

He also called on operators to complete their registration and fulfil all other statutory obligations, warning that the agency would begin a special enforcement exercise from August 1 in collaboration with security agencies.

According to him, the enforcement became necessary because some drivers and union officials allegedly encourage others to evade ticket payments, resulting in revenue losses and creating divisions within the transport unions.

“When those who pay notice others are not paying and are being covered, they also refuse to pay. This enforcement is to ensure fairness and protect government revenue,” he said.

Orok reiterated the agency’s commitment to implementing reforms that would strengthen regulation and improve public transportation across the state.

In a related development, the CTRA partnered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the meeting to facilitate voter registration for commercial drivers.

He explained that many drivers are unable to visit INEC registration centres because of their work schedules, adding that plans are underway to establish voter registration points along major transport routes to improve access and encourage civic participation. (LEADERSHIP)

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